The Media Matters Action Network, the lobbying arm of Media Matters for America, said the situation “raises important questions about the balance between a free press and effective national security,” but that the talking points were “for those interested in pushing back against partisan attacks.”

Here are some of the key points Media Matters offers (including mentions of the Bush administration):

​• If the press compromised active counter-terror operations for a story that only tipped off the terrorists, that sounds like it should be investigated.

​• It was not acceptable when the Bush Administration exposed Valerie Plame working undercover to stop terrorists from attacking us. It is not acceptable when anonymous sources do it either.

​• Did Republicans in Congress who are now exploiting the situation to score political points oppose the media shield law that likely would have protected the Associated Press in this situation?